In February, four Roxboro Community School (RCS) students and two RCS staff members were nominated for awards issued by the Roxboro Jaycees. Caroline Cates, Elizabeth Ess, Karrie Obie, and Madeline Watson were the students nominated for the Outstanding Teenager of 2026 award. Alecia Knaub and Alex Porter were the teacher nominees for the Outstanding Young Educator of 2026 award.
In late January, RCS teachers were asked to select nominees for the Outstanding Teenager award from the class of 2026. Cates, Ess, Obie, and Watson were chosen from a class of nearly 80 students. From there, the four were asked to complete an application that asked about their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and plans after high school graduation. “It’s really meaningful to me to know that the teachers who have taught me so much throughout my time here at RCS see the qualities of this award in me,” Caroline Cates expressed.
Similar to the student nomination process, RCS staff members were nominated by their coworkers. After being selected, Knaub and Porter were also asked to fill out an application. This application asked the teachers to reflect on their teaching policies, how they impact students, and the values they hold both inside and outside the classroom. “I’m deeply grateful that my colleagues see and recognize the commitment I bring to teaching,” Alex Porter said. “Being an educator is something I’m deeply passionate about. It’s not just about teaching content—it’s about supporting students, helping them grow, and creating an environment where they feel encouraged and inspired.”
The Jaycees Distinguished Service Awards banquet was held on March 19. There, all the nominees were recognized and Caroline Cates was named the 2025 Outstanding Teenager.
